THE ATTITUDE OF PHILOSOPHY 



expressed by the symbols of science, or by the 

 symbols of mythology, Is the indestructible es- 

 sence of all religion. An absolutely perfect state 

 of society would be, by a curious and instructive 

 paradox, a state in which the religious sense 

 would have no further function to subserve, be- 

 cause goodness would have become automatic 

 and aspiration would be at an end. 



But while our ideal state of society is one 

 which can only be gradually, relatively, and ap- 

 proximatively realized, it has none the less a 

 present existence as an ideal which we must ever 

 strive to incarnate as far as possible in the con- 

 crete facts which make up the sum of our every- 

 day life. There is a practical sense in which 

 the evolutionist, no less than the radical sceptic 

 or the orthodox believer, must recognize that he 

 has a missionary function to fulfill. We do in- 

 deed aim, in conformity with surrounding con- 

 ditions, at the realization of our social and ethi- 

 cal ideal, — seeking to do what within us lies to 

 hasten the time when it may be proclaimed, with 

 fresh significance, that the kingdom of heaven 

 is at hand. But how shall we seek to effect 

 our purpose ? Shall we go forth to all the world 

 and preach some " gospel of Evolution," in the 

 hope that men, seeing the error of their ways, 

 shall suddenly embrace the new faith and be 

 henceforth spiritually healed ? In two ways our 

 philosophy has taught us the absurdity of such 

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